T. Oliver Reid WINS METROSTAR TALENT CHALLENGE 8/30

On Monday August 30, T. Oliver Reid proved his mettle by winning the exciting finale of the third annual "MetroStar Talent Challenge" at The Metropolitan Room, beating out Cindy Marchionda (the first runner-up) and Amy Beth Williams, the second runner-up. Reid, who dazzled throughout the competition with daring vocal choices, earned consistently high marks during the eight-week jury and audience-voted singers' contest. The two other finalists were Alison Nusbaum and Janice Hall.

Each of the five finalists performed a pair of songs, while Tom Gamblin, the contest's host kept the proceedings moving swiftly. Among the added treats were performances by KT Sullivan, and a new song penned for the occasion by permanent judge Rob Lester. Performing this satirical send-up about winning and losing were last year's MetroStar runner-ups Danielle Grabianowski and Carole Bufford, who were joined by Kathleen France and Daryl Glenn. Liz Lark Brown, last-year's grand-prize winner, sang two songs while plugging her upcoming major engagement at the Club, that begins on September 17. Playing for the singers throughout the contest was the quick-plinking and genial music director Nate Buccieri.

This year's rotating guest jurists included the singers Allan Harris, Klea Blackhurst, and KT Sullivan, all of whom performed during the contest. Also serving as judges were the cabaret and jazz entertainers Eric Comstock, Baby Jane Dexter, Barbara Fasano, Sharon McNight, and Ricky Ritzel; the media personalities Lise Avery, Bill Boggs, David Kenney, David Noh, Stephanie Simon and Valerie Smaldone; the Wall Street Journal critic Will Friedwald, and Donald Smith, the executive director of the Mabel Mercer Foundation. The contest's two permanent judges were Roy Sander the chairman, and critic Rob Lester.

The five finalists, who were all praised for incorporating jury feedback throughout the contest, were the last ones standing from an initial pool of 51 solo singers. The eight-week, jury and audience-voted elimination-round competition began on July 12.

For Reid the Metropolitan Room will produce and present a week-long, prime-time engagement in the winter, plus a multi-track "Live at The Metropolitan Room" recording of the new show. Marchionda and Williams will open for Reid on alternating nights during the run, and receive demo recordings of their appearances. MetroStar's career-boosting package of prizes and professional encouragements is worth over $15,000.

Open to performers of all ages and backgrounds who have not played a major engagement at The Metropolitan Room, "MetroStar" encourages singers to present well-rounded stage performances in which creativity, innovation and authenticity are prized over vocal fireworks.

For all the latest "MetroStar Talent Challenge" information, consult the club's Web site at www.metropolitanroom.com Recently called "the best of New York's smaller clubs" by The New York Times, the Nightlife and Bistro Award-winning Metropolitan Room, 34 West 22nd Street, celebrated its fourth anniversary in May. For reservations call 212/206-0440.

Don't Miss a Broadway News Story Sign up for all the news on the Winter season, discounts & more...